Dr. Sue’s Free Motivational Newsletter
Dr. Sue’s Free Motivational Newsletter
In each issue you’ll find articles about reinventing your life for more success, less stress, and renewed energy. You’ll also find inspirational quotes, recommended resources for continued self-development, and comments from visitors to the web site. To receive your FREE life-expanding newsletter, Something More™, visit the link below.Advertisments
Recharge Your Life! with Dr. Sue
This Month: "Listen with your Heart"
Having more energy is important not only to make you feel better, but also to keep you healthier. Studies have shown that "recharging" -- whether through prayer, meditation, focused breathing, positive thinking, hobbies or other things that give us energy -- can promote faster healing, increased mental acuity, better emotional well-being and greater productivity.Each month we present a simple way to get more energy -- starting today! We hope you enjoy this special Valentines Day edition...
LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART
Trying to connect with another by way of the spoken word alone is like trying to climb a mountain with only a rope. Words can be helpful, but they are only one tool. To touch another person meaningfully, we also need intuition and empathy. While change adds zest to life, it is also a bit risky. Most of us fear the unknown and can be lulled into a comfortable, lackluster life. But no change, no gain...
- Thinking of someone with whom you'd like to connect more closely, imagine your last conversation. What did the person's voice, pace, or intonation indicate to you? What "signals" did you pick up on that were never spoken?
- How much did you learn about what's going on in the other person's life vs. how much you talked about your own?
- Did you demonstrate that you were really listening, by responding before you changed the subject or asking a follow-up question?
- Did you show empathy for the person by reflecting their feelings or sharing a time when you experienced a similar feeling? Did you validate the person's importance to you? For instance, did you sound pleased to hear from them, mention how good it was to connect, listen in an unhurried manner, offer a compliment or otherwise end on a high note, etc.?
Listen with your ears if you want to be right; listen with your heart if you want to connect.
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Suzanne Zoglio, Ph.D., is a life-balance coach, national speaker and author of Recharge in Minutes: The Quick-Lift Way to Less Stress, More Success and Renewed Energy and Create a Life That Tickles Your Soul